“ANU has been built on the back of world class staff – Florey, Oliphant, Hancock, Coombs, Fenner, Eccles and Doherty are all giants in their respective fields. ANU needs to nurture the current generation of such leaders from both our existing staff and from those we will attract. That will be a key focus for me,” he said.

“I want to build on the outstanding quality that exists at ANU. My vision is simple – for ANU to be truly Australia’s National University, and a world-class institution. It must be a resource widely recognised by the community as important for the future of the nation, and an institution of which all Australians can be proud.

First item on the agenda is a new strategic plan which he wants to arrive at after a broad consulation.